[title]
New York is finally swiping left on subway swipes.
The MTA announced this week that the long-awaited contactless pay system that’s set to replace the MetroCard will be integrated into the system beginning this spring. That’s right, instead of swiping into the subway you’ll soon be waving. How cheery!
The new technology is called OMNY which sounds like a public library catalog or a vitamin delivery service but is, in fact, a 21st century transportation network pay method. It will be available to use in 16 subway stations on the 4, 5 and 6 lines between Grand Central and Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center (ant the SIM30 express bus route on Staten Island) in May.
OMNY (stands for “One Metro New York”) is being installed with the help of Cubic, the company behind the so-2000-and-late MetroCard as well as London’s Oyster card. As the contactless system is phased in over the coming years, the MetroCard will still work throughout the system with a set goal of phasing out the cards by 2023. An app that will allow riders to pay with their smartphones is currently in development.
“We believe that transportation is an essential service that connects communities and brings the diversity and energy of New York together,” said the MTA in a statement. “OMNY is the newest way to experience all that the region offers.”
That's all well and good, but has no one thought about the Supreme-obsessed masses? At least the branded MetroCards of yore are bound to become the collectors' item of tomorrow.